“What the fuck?” I mutter as I pull Pepper out of the booth. “Stay close to me, doll face.”
Glancing around the restaurant, I see people have their phones turned towards us, either taking pictures or recording.
“Bear, what’s happening?” she says worriedly, tucking into my side.
“I don’t know.” As soon as I say it the owner of the diner comes out of the kitchen and waves us over.
“You can go out the back, Cannon,” he says, patting me on the back.
“Thanks,” I say, ducking around and going past where all the cooks are at the grill.
“Sure you don’t want to leave her behind?” I hear him say, and I turn on my heels.
“What the fuck did you just say to me?” I take a step towards him but feel Pepper’s shaking hand on my lower back.
The owner eyes her and then shakes his head. “I’m a loyal fan, Cannon. Been supporting you a long time. Especially after all you’ve done for the neighborhood. I just hate to see someone new showing up and disrespecting you.” His eyes land on Pepper again and he holds up his hands.
“Are you saying I disrespected him?” Pepper asks, leaning around me.
“Don’t try and deny it. I saw the pictures,” he says, and I reach out, taking him by the neck of his shirt. “It’s the truth, she was all over him. Why do you think the paparazzi are here? Bet she even called them.”
I tighten my grip and I feel Pepper pulling on my arm. “You dare talk about my girl that way,” I grit out as I lean closer.
“Ask her. She’s fucking Goliath.”
“What? I don’t even know anybody named that. Mister, you’re going to get yourself killed.”
“Gio?” I ask, shaking my head. “That’s bullshit.”
I feel Pepper’s arm go slack on mine and I glance over to see her take a step back. Her eyes are darting back and forth and she looks like she’s just seen a ghost. “You said his name is Gio?”
“Yeah, that’s Goliath. The guy I’m fighting in two days.”
She puts her hands over her mouth and I see tears form in her eyes. “Oh god, Bear, I’m so sorry.”
“Sorry for what, doll face?” I ask as I let go of the owner and turn to her.
“For cheating on our hometown hero? Or for being a slut?”
Without thinking I turn and backhand the guy across the mouth. He grabs his lip and I can already see blood through his fingers.
“Hey, fuck you, Cannon, I was defending you.”
“We’ve gotta get out of here,” I say, grabbing Pepper by the arm and dragging her to the back.
There are people shouting from behind us, but I don’t stop until I see the exit door and bust through out into the alley. For a second I think we’re free, but then a swarm of camera flashes go off again.
“Bear!” she calls, and I can hear the fear in her voice.
“Stay with me.”
People are shouting as I hold her tight. There are images being shoved in my face. One of Pepper cuddled up next to Gio on the couch. One of him with his arm around her. Then someone flashes one of him kissing her. Rage builds inside me, and I Iower my shoulder and just blow through the crowd.
Luck is on our side that a cab is sitting at the curb and we jump in. I throw some money at the driver and shout for him to drive. As he pulls away from the curb the flashes stop and the shouting and jeering fade away.
I put my elbows on my knees and then rest my face in my hands. When I feel Pepper’s fingers on my forearm, I close my eyes tight.
“I told you I loved you,” I whisper, but I might as well have shouted because of the silence.
“Bear—”
“Turn here,” I say, interrupting her. “Stop at the corner.”
When the cab driver does as I ask, I throw some more cash at him, giving him another address. Afterwards I get out of the car and close the door behind me. I turn around to face the open window but don’t lean down.
“I need you to go home right now. Security will let me know when you get there.”
“Where are you going?” she asks, but I can’t look at her. I can’t see the fear and pain in her eyes. Not right this second.
“I’ll be home later,” is all I say before I push away from the car and make my way down the street.
Chapter Fifteen
Pepper
I blow my nose for the millionth time because I can’t stop crying. The tears keep coming. Every time I close my eyes I see Bear walking away from me. I keep hearing him say I told you I loved you.
I did what Tasha told me to never do: I went on Google. I couldn’t help myself. I wanted to see the pictures because it was hard to believe it. They looked awful. The way they were taken and the angle make it look like we kissed instead of him kissing me on the cheek. There were so many shots there’s no way Bear will ever believe me.